Modineer Company-posted 13 days ago
Full-time • Mid Level
Niles, MI
501-1,000 employees

The Program Manager is responsible for leading new and existing customer programs from quotation through launch and into stable production for a Tier 1 sheet metal fabrication environment serving automotive and Defense customers. This role owns timing, cost, scope, and customer communication, and ensures that all APQP/PPAP requirements are met while coordinating cross-functional teams in engineering, quality, operations, and purchasing.

  • Lead programs from award through SOP, managing scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Develop and maintain detailed program timelines, open issues lists, and action trackers.
  • Coordinate tooling, fixtures, equipment, and process readiness for new or changed parts.
  • Drive safe-launch / containment plans and ensure smooth handoff to production.
  • Lead APQP activities in line with AIAG guidelines for all assigned programs.
  • Coordinate PFMEA, control plans, process flow diagrams, and work instructions with engineering and quality teams.
  • Ensure timely completion of PPAP submissions (samples, dimensional results, capability studies, PSW, etc.).
  • Support run-at-rate / production trials and resolve issues prior to SOP.
  • Act as primary point of contact for assigned customers on all program-related topics.
  • Host regular customer review meetings, provide status updates, and manage expectations.
  • Manage engineering changes (ECNs/ECRs), including timing, cost impact, and implementation plans.
  • Support commercial discussions related to tooling, piece price changes, and scope changes.
  • Align engineering, quality, production, maintenance, logistics, and purchasing on program objectives and deliverables.
  • Escalate resource constraints and roadblocks and drive resolution with functional managers.
  • Coordinate DFM feedback to customers to optimize manufacturability and cost.
  • Identify program risks and maintain a risk and mitigation register.
  • Track program budget vs. plan (tooling, capital, and major launch costs).
  • Monitor key launch metrics (timing adherence, quality issues, scrap/rework during launch) and drive corrective actions.
  • Minimum 3 years of project/program management experience in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive manufacturing environment, preferably sheet metal fabrication, welding, or metal assemblies.
  • Strong CAD and print-reading skills, including understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
  • Hands-on experience with APQP and PPAP processes and AIAG core tools (FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC).
  • Strong understanding of automotive OEM requirements and customer-specific requirements.
  • Experience launching new parts/processes in a manufacturing plant (tooling, fixtures, process development, trials).
  • Solid proficiency with basic Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project tracking in at least one structured format (e.g., Gantt charts, action logs).
  • Excellent communication skills—able to communicate effectively with customers and internal teams at all levels.
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and follow-through skills; able to manage multiple programs concurrently.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Experience with sheet metal fabrication processes (laser cutting, stamping, forming, welding, assembly, coating/painting).
  • Formal training or certification in Project Management (PMP, Prince2, or similar).
  • Advanced Office Suite skills, especially: Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic dashboards) PowerPoint (customer-facing status reports) MS Project or similar timeline / Gantt tools
  • Experience with PLM and/or ERP/MES systems for managing BOMs, revisions, workflows, and approvals.
  • Demonstrated experience using structured project management methodologies, especially Waterfall-based project planning: Building and maintaining phase-gate project plans Managing critical path, dependencies, and milestones Reporting progress against baseline and driving recovery plans when off-track
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 quality systems.
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